OLYMPICS: There was disappointment for Mark English in Rio, as his bid to reach an Olympic final sadly failed.
English was competing in a semi-final heat which was stacked with world class talent – including World Champion and World Record holder David Rudisha.
The Kenyan runner won the heat, and delivered a classy performance to book his place in the 800m final.
English finished fifth in the heat, and finished strongly – but it wasn’t enough to force his way into qualification contention.
English, was going to have to break his own personal record to reach the Olympic final, but he wasn’t able to find that performance.
However, English ran superbly in final, and can be happy with his performance at his first ever Olympics.
The UCD medical student, from Letterkenny – has struggled with injuries all year, but he was excellent in Rio, and will have learned so much from the experience.
English is supremely talented and will be back in four years time an even better athlete than he is now.
Well done Mark – you’ve done Donegal and Ireland proud.
